Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 1: Cutting across caste and creed, 25 couples tied the knot in a mass marriage organised by Prayas, a social organization, at Ram Mandir in Bhubaneswar Sunday.
The idea behind organising the mass marriage was to enable young couples who were financially weak get married in an intimate ceremony attended by close friends and family.
The mass marriage ceremony saw 13 couples from the city taking part.
Bana Mohanty, president of Prayas, said it was the first such initiative on their part. “We took this initiative for the first time to help couples who were financially weak in getting married. We have registered the marriage of each couple and they will be given marriage certificates within a week or so. We have also opened bank accounts for each couple under the Jan Dhan Yojna and have also deposited some cash for their future and will also provide one year counseling to each of them to help in their married life,” said Mohanty.
The ceremony also served as a platform to raise awareness against the menace of dowry. “There are many girls who are not able to get married simply because their family cannot afford the dowry demands made by the groom’s side. Our initiative was also meant to bring attention to this menace,” Mohanty added.
Manoj Kumar Sahu (22), a daily wage-earner who married Gita Barik, said he was over the moon. “My parents wanted me to get married but because of my financial problems I never thought I’d have a traditional wedding ceremony. I am very happy today,” Sahu said.
Dhirendra Nayak, also a labourer, got married to Jhili Nayak. “I never thought I’d get married at such a nice function with such wonderful people around. I’ll never forget this day. Everyone blessed us and gave us gifts,” said Nayak.
Several social workers and a couple of politicians too attended the ceremony and blessed the newly-weds.
All traditional rituals were performed with family members of the couples actively participating. A large crowd witnessed the marriage ceremony and partook of a big feast at the end of the event.